Category Archives: IELTS

According to the Journal of Experimental Psychology, self-testing, such as taking a practice test or simulating a testing environment, is an effective study tool. To help you prepare for the IELTS through self-testing, here are some links to IELTS testing materials. These materials are from http://www.ielts.org, and they include pdf tests and answer sheets.

In this weeks lesson we have this tricky True/False/Not given exercise (answers coming next week):

Millions of lives around the world could be saved, and the quality of life of hundreds of millions markedly improved – very inexpensively – by eradicating three vitamin and mineral deficiencies in people’s diets. The three vitamins and minerals are vitamin A, iodine and iron – so-called micronutrients. More than 2 billion people are at risk from micronutrient deficiencies and more than 1 billion people are actually ill or disabled by them, causing mental retardation, learning disabilities, low work capacity and blindness. It costs little to correct these deficiencies through fortification of food and water supplies. In a country of 50 million people, this would cost about $25 million a year. That $25 million would yield a fortyfold return on investment.

1. Most illnesses in developing countries are caused by too many vitamin and mineral…

The TOEFL’s writing exam was previously administered as a separate test. Now, the writing section is Section 4 of your TOEFL iBT. It is divided into two sections: Integrated Writing and Independent Writing. The integrated section is writing which is based on reading and listening. You will read a passage on a particular topic, and then you will listen to a lecture on that same topic. During the reading and lecture, you’re able to take notes in order to collect your thoughts when writing. Afterwards, you will be given a question in which you must respond in 150 – 225 words.

The independent section will also be based on a question, but it will require you to give an opinion and justify your argument. The question will ask your opinion on a topic, such as “It is better to grow up with siblings than without. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.” You will have 30 minutes to write this portion. When writing the independent portion, it’s important to remember this essay checklist from English Club:

Topic SentenceWhat is the topic sentence?
The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph.

What does it do?
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write one?
Summarize the main idea of your paragraph. Indicate to the reader what your paragraph will be about.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada’s cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

Supporting Details

What are supporting sentences?
They come after the topic sentence, making up the body of a paragraph.

What do they do?
They give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph.

How do I write them?
You should give supporting facts, details, and examples.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada’s cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

Closing SentenceWhat is the closing sentence?
The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph.

What does it do?
It restates the main idea of your paragraph.

How do I write one?
Restate the main idea of the paragraph using different words.

Example:

There are three reasons why Canada is one of the best countries in the world. First, Canada has an excellent health care system. All Canadians have access to medical services at a reasonable price. Second, Canada has a high standard of education. Students are taught by well-trained teachers and are encouraged to continue studying at university. Finally, Canada’s cities are clean and efficiently managed. Canadian cities have many parks and lots of space for people to live. As a result, Canada is a desirable place to live.

if you cannot hear the audio clearly, let a member of staff know straightaway

follow the instructions carefully; they may be different to practice or previous tests

listen for the specific information you want

try and anticipate what the speaker will say; this will require concentration

do not worry if there is a word you do not understand; you may not need to use it

if you do not know the answer to a question, attempt it but do not waste time; move quickly onto the next one

be careful with your spelling and grammar

do not panic if you think the topic is too difficult or the speaker is too fast; relax and tune in

read, write and listen at the same time

focus precisely on what you are asked to do in completion type questions

pay attention to the word limit; for example, if you are asked to complete a sentence using no more than two words, if the correct answer is ‘leather coat’, the answer ‘coat made of leather’ would be incorrect

if the question asks you to complete the note ‘in the…’ and the correct answer is ‘morning’, note that ‘in the morning’ would be incorrect; the correct answer is ‘morning’